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Intel Core i7 8650U Review | 78 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£360
  • Avg. price in US: ~$410
  • PassMark benchmark result: 6187
  • N. of physical cores: 4
  • CPU boost clock speed: 4.2 GHz

Intel Core i7 8650U review. Compare 78 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among processors and if it is worth buying.

4.0

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the processor's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best processors on the market.

Score components:

90.0%

4.0

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Poor
4.0

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

3.1

Performance

18.0%

4.9

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

3.9

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

7.4

Power & Thermal

4.0%

7.5

Platform

1.0%

7.0

Integrated Graphics

Poor
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 3.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    3.2

    PassMark single-core benchmark score

    25.0%

    3.9

    Geekbench 6 single-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    5.2

    CPU boost clock speed

    17.0%

    2.1

    L3 cache

    8.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

  • 2.3
    Video editing

    Score components:

    45.0%

    2.3

    Geekbench 6 multi-core benchmark score

    20.0%

    1.8

    N. of physical cores

    20.0%

    2.8

    CPU threads

    15.0%

    2.1

    L3 cache

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £360

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Intel Core i7-8650U is a high-end, quad-core mobile processor from the 8th Generation Kaby Lake Refresh family, featuring 8 threads, an 8MB Smart Cache, and a 14nm lithography. It operates at a base frequency of 1.90 GHz with a maximum turbo boost of 4.20 GHz, while maintaining a low 15W TDP that is configurable up to 25W. Main pros include its significant 40% performance leap over previous dual-core generations, support for up to 32GB of DDR4-2400 memory, and enterprise-grade security via Intel vPro technology. However, its performance is highly dependent on the laptop's cooling solution, often leading to thermal throttling during sustained heavy workloads, and its integrated UHD Graphics 620 is now considered outdated for modern gaming or high-end creative tasks.

Technical Specifications of processor Intel Core i7 8650U

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the processor's technical performance, covering key areas such as processing performance, core configuration, efficiency, platform support, integrated features, and thermal behavior.

When it matters: When you want to compare processors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

60.0%

?

Performance

18.0%

?

Cache & Architecture

10.0%

?

Memory & PCIe

7.0%

?

Power & Thermal

4.0%

?

Platform

1.0%

?

Integrated Graphics

4.0
Intel Core i7 8650U has a technical score of 4.01 points, which is lower than that of 80.8% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the processor.

When it matters: When you want to know how a processor performs in real workloads and how reliable it is for gaming, productivity, and efficiency according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the processor.
When it matters: When you prefer to choose a processor reviewed and selected by many other buyers.
1.0
Intel Core i7 8650U has a popularity of 1 points, which is higher than 0% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the processor's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a processor with a good balance between performance, efficiency, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

4.0

Overall score

40.0%

8.6

Price

5.4
Intel Core i7 8650U has a quality-to-price ratio of 5.4 points, which is lower than 88.4% of products in this category.
Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel
Processor type
What it is: The kind of system the processor is built for, such as desktop PCs, laptops, workstations, or servers.
When it matters: When you want a processor meant for the kind of machine you are actually building or buying, rather than a chip aimed at a different class of system.

Importance: HIGH

mobile
Intel Core i7 8650U belongs to the mobile processor class, which is more advanced than that of 7.3% of processors and equal to that of 48.6% of processors.
CPU socket
What it is: The physical socket the processor fits into on the motherboard.
When it matters: When you need to make sure the CPU can actually be installed on a specific motherboard.

Importance: HIGH

FCBGA1356
Intel Core i7 8650U uses the FCBGA1356 CPU socket, which is older than that of 88.1% of processors and equal to that of 3% of processors.
Chipset
What it is: The motherboard chipset families officially meant to work with the processor.
When it matters: When you are checking whether a CPU will work with the motherboard features and platform you plan to use.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
CPU architecture
What it is: The processor family or design generation behind the chip, such as Zen 4 or Raptor Lake.
When it matters: When you are comparing CPUs across generations and want a clearer sense of their design age, feature level, and expected performance class.

Importance: HIGH

x86-64
Intel Core i7 8650U uses the x86-64 architecture, which is more advanced than that of 1.7% of processors and equal to that of 98.3% of processors.
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N. of physical cores
What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 8+

4
Intel Core i7 8650U has 4 CPU cores, which is fewer than 50.7% of processors and equal to 28.5% of processors.
CPU threads
What it is: The total number of processing threads the CPU can handle at once.
When it matters: When you run heavily threaded workloads or multitask a lot.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: 16+

8
Intel Core i7 8650U offers 8 CPU threads, which is more than 35.3% of processors and equal to 19% of processors.
Threads per core
What it is: The number of threads each physical core can handle at once.
When it matters: When you want to understand how much thread-level parallelism each core can provide in multitasking or heavily threaded work.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 2

2
Intel Core i7 8650U offers 2 threads per core, which is more than 30.4% of processors and equal to 69.6% of processors.
CPU boost clock speed
What it is: The highest clock speed the processor can reach under boost conditions.
When it matters: When you care about peak speed in short bursts.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >4.7 GHz

4.2 GHz
Intel Core i7 8650U reaches a boost clock of 4.2 GHz which is lower than that of 51.9% of processors and equal to that of 4.3% of processors.
CPU base clock speed
What it is: The processor's normal all-core starting frequency before boost behavior raises clocks temporarily.
When it matters: When you care about steadier performance in longer workloads rather than short burst speed alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

4 x 1.9 GHz
Intel Core i7 8650U has a base clock of 4x1.9 GHz which is equal to that of 100% of processors.
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Semiconductor size
What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <10 nm

14 nm
Intel Core i7 8650U uses a 14 nm process node, which is older than that of 50.8% of processors and equal to that of 33.7% of processors.
Foundry
What it is: The semiconductor manufacturer that physically fabricates the processor chip.
When it matters: When process source, manufacturing generation, or foundry differences matter to your comparison more than day-to-day performance alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel 14 nm
Intel Core i7 8650U is built on the Intel 14 nm foundry process, which is less advanced than that of 55.2% of processors and equal to that of 29.3% of processors.
L3 cache
What it is: The total amount of L3 cache available on the processor.
When it matters: When you want better performance in cache-sensitive workloads and games.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=16 MB

8 MB
Intel Core i7 8650U has an L3 cache of 8 MB which is larger than that of 39.7% of processors and equal to that of 11.8% of processors.
L2 cache
What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=6 MB

1 MB
Intel Core i7 8650U has an L2 cache of 1 MB which is smaller than that of 67.1% of processors and equal to that of 17.6% of processors.
L1 cache
What it is: The total amount of L1 cache built into the processor, which sits closest to the cores.
When it matters: When you are comparing low-level CPU design details rather than the broader performance picture buyers usually notice first.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=512 KB

256 KB
Intel Core i7 8650U has an L1 cache of 256 KB which is smaller than that of 59.4% of processors and equal to that of 18.5% of processors.
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DDR memory version
What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: DDR5

DDR4/LPDDR3
Intel Core i7 8650U supports DDR DDR4/LPDDR3, which is newer than that of 58.1% of processors and equal to that of 2.1% of processors.
Maximum memory speed
What it is: The highest official memory speed supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you choose RAM and want to know the supported speed ceiling.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=4800 MHz

2,133 MHz
Intel Core i7 8650U supports memory speeds up to 2,133 MHz, which is lower than that of 75.6% of processors and equal to 8.8% of processors.
Max memory speed (JEDEC)
What it is: The highest official RAM speed the processor supports under standard JEDEC settings, before any memory overclocking profiles are applied.
When it matters: When officially supported stock RAM speed matters more than XMP, EXPO, or manual memory tuning.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5600 MHz

DDR4-2400 MHz
Intel Core i7 8650U supports JEDEC memory speeds up to DDR4-2,400 MHz, which is lower than that of 63.4% of processors and equal to 10.6% of processors.
Max memory speed (XMP / EXPO)
What it is: The highest memory speed supported through XMP or EXPO profiles.
When it matters: When you want faster RAM through memory profiles.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5200 MHz

N/A
Maximum memory capacity
What it is: The largest total amount of memory officially supported by the processor.
When it matters: When you plan a system with very large RAM capacity.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >=128 GB

32 GB
Intel Core i7 8650U supports up to 32 GB of memory, which is less than 71.9% of processors and equal to 19.5% of processors.
Show more
Integrated graphics
What it is: Includes built-in graphics, so the system can output video without a separate graphics card.
When it matters: When you want the PC to work without a dedicated GPU, or you are building an office, media, compact, or troubleshooting-friendly system.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Intel Core i7 8650U includes integrated graphics. 87.6% of processors include integrated graphics.
Integrated GPU model
What it is: The model name of the integrated graphics processor, if present.
When it matters: When you plan to use the CPU's built-in graphics.

Importance: MEDIUM

Intel UHD Graphics 620
Intel Core i7 8650U uses the Intel UHD Graphics 620 integrated GPU, which is less advanced than that in 55.8% of processors and equal to that in 1.2% of processors.
Integrated GPU execution units
What it is: The number of execution units available in the integrated graphics part of the processor.
When it matters: When you plan to rely on built-in graphics and want a better sense of its light gaming, display, or media capability.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=24

24
Intel Core i7 8650U has 24 GPU execution units, which is more than 49.2% of processors and equal to 21.6% of processors.
Integrated GPU base frequency
What it is: The base operating frequency of the integrated GPU.
When it matters: When integrated graphics performance matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=350 MHz

300 MHz
Intel Core i7 8650U has an integrated GPU clock of 300 MHz which is lower than that of 57% of processors and equal to that of 38.7% of processors.
Integrated media encoders/decoders
What it is: The hardware media formats the processor can encode or decode directly.
When it matters: When you stream, edit video, or rely on hardware media acceleration.

Importance: LOW

?
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TDP (Thermal design power)
What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <30 W

15 W
Intel Core i7 8650U has a TDP of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.7% of processors and equal to that of 16.1% of processors.
Base power (PL1)
What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <30 W

15 W
Intel Core i7 8650U has a base power of 15 W which is lower than that of 77.2% of processors and equal to that of 16.2% of processors.
Boost power (PL2)
What it is: The short-term boost power limit the processor may draw under heavier turbo loads.
When it matters: When you size cooling and power delivery for peak turbo behavior.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <50 W

?
Tau (power duration limit)
What it is: The time limit the CPU can stay at higher boost power before dropping toward sustained power.
When it matters: When you want to understand turbo behavior under longer loads.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=28 s

28 seconds
Intel Core i7 8650U has a turbo duration of 28 seconds which is longer than that of 3.8% of processors and equal to that of 85% of processors.
Configurable TDP
What it is: Allows the processor to run in alternate power modes instead of being fixed to one default TDP target.
When it matters: When you want more control over heat, noise, and power draw in compact systems, quieter builds, or thermally limited machines.

Importance: LOW

yes
Intel Core i7 8650U supports configurable TDP. 52.9% of processors support configurable TDP.
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Intel Core i7 8650U vs the average processor

  • 2.12x faster Blender rendering
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (702.1 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
    What it is: A Blender render result based on the BMW27 scene, used to show how quickly the processor can finish a heavy 3D rendering task.
    When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >290

    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (702.1 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.702.11 vs 331.88
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
    What it is: The sustained power target used for longer CPU loads.
    When it matters: When you choose cooling and power delivery for sustained workloads.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.15 W vs 45 W
  • 85.7% faster classroom rendering
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,470 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.
    What it is: A Blender render result based on the Classroom scene, used to show how quickly the processor can complete a demanding rendering workload.
    When it matters: When rendering speed matters for 3D work, content creation, or other workloads that behave like long multi-core renders.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >1500

    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,470 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.1,469.99 vs 791,745
  • 30.9% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower die size than the average processor (123 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
    What it is: The physical area of the processor die, usually measured in square millimeters.
    When it matters: When you are comparing chip scale, packaging density, or broader design differences rather than direct user-visible performance.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: <150 mm²

    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower die size than the average processor (123 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².123 mm² vs 178 mm²
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.
    What it is: The rated thermal design power, which gives a general idea of cooling and power needs.
    When it matters: When you choose a cooler or build in a tighter case.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <30 W

    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.15 W vs 45 W
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core i7 8650U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).
    What it is: The RAM generation the processor is designed to support, such as DDR4 or DDR5.
    When it matters: When you need the CPU to match the kind of memory platform you want to buy or reuse.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: DDR5

    Intel Core i7 8650U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 8650U has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L3 cache effectively available per CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing how much shared cache each core can draw on in deeper technical analysis.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=2 MB/core

    Intel Core i7 8650U has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.2 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core
  • 2.12x faster Blender rendering
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower Blender BMW27 render time than the average processor (702.1 vs 331.88). The average processor needs 331.88 for the Blender BMW27 test.
  • 85.7% faster classroom rendering
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower Blender Classroom render time than the average processor (1,470 vs 791,745). The average processor needs 791,745 for the Blender Classroom test.
  • 30.9% smaller die size
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower die size than the average processor (123 mm² vs 178 mm²). The average processor has a die size of 178 mm².
  • 16.7% more L3 per core
    Intel Core i7 8650U has more L3 cache per core than the average processor (2 MB/core vs 1,714 MB/core). The average processor provides 1,714 MB/core of L3 cache per core.
  • Newer DDR support
    Intel Core i7 8650U supports a newer DDR generation than the average processor (DDR4/LPDDR3 vs DDR4).
  • 66.7% lower base power
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower base power draw than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a base power draw of 45 W.
  • 66.7% lower TDP
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower TDP than the average processor (15 W vs 45 W). The average processor has a TDP of 45 W.

Total
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe
Power & Thermal
  • Older CPU socket
    Intel Core i7 8650U uses an older CPU socket than the average processor (FCBGA1356 vs FP2).
  • 3 year/s older release date
    Intel Core i7 8650U has an older release date than the average processor (2017 vs 2020).
    August 2,017
  • 53.3% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,299 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
  • 24.6% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (365 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 8650U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
  • 15.5% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,098 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
  • 41.3% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (6,187 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
  • 50% lower bus transfer rate
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower bus transfer rate than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor offers bus transfer rate of 8 GT/s.
  • 50% lower bus speed
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower bus speed than the average processor (4 GT/s vs 8 GT/s). The average processor runs at bus speed of 8 GT/s.
  • 20.6% lower multi-core score
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower Geekbench 6 multi-core score than the average processor (3,806 vs 4,793). The average processor scores 4,793 in Geekbench 6 multi-core.
  • 9 lower clock multiplier
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower clock multiplier than the average processor (19 vs 28). The average processor has a clock multiplier of 28.
  • 5.3% lower single-core score
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower Geekbench 6 single-core score than the average processor (1,393 vs 1,471). The average processor scores 1,471 in Geekbench 6 single-core.
  • 2.3% lower boost clock
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower boost clock speed than the average processor (4.2 GHz vs 4.3 GHz). The average processor reaches boost clock speed of 4.3 GHz.
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i7 8650U has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
  • 33.3% smaller L1 cache
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower L1 cache than the average processor (256 KB vs 384 KB). The average processor has L1 cache of 384 KB.
  • 4 fewer PCIe lanes
    Intel Core i7 8650U has fewer PCIe lanes than the average processor (12 vs 16). The average processor offers 16 PCIe lanes.
  • 27.3% lower memory speed
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower maximum memory speed than the average processor (2,133 MHz vs 2,933 MHz). The average processor supports memory speed of 2,933 MHz.
  • 18.1% lower memory bandwidth
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower memory bandwidth than the average processor (37.5 GB/s vs 45.8 GB/s). The average processor offers memory bandwidth of 45.8 GB/s.
  • 50% less memory capacity
    Intel Core i7 8650U has fewer maximum memory capacity than the average processor (32 GB vs 64 GB). The average processor supports 64 GB of memory.
  • Limited PCIe bifurcation
    Intel Core i7 8650U supports less flexible PCIe bifurcation than the average processor (x4, x2/x2, x2/x1/x1, x1/x1/x1/x1 vs x16, x8/x8).
  • 53.3% weaker multi-core performance
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,299 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 score that reflects how well the processor handles long, heavy rendering workloads across many cores.
    When it matters: When you care about sustained multi-core performance in rendering, compiling, heavy creation work, or productivity workloads that use many threads.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >4700

    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower multi-core performance than the average processor (1,299 vs 2,783). The average processor scores 2,783 in Cinebench R20 multi-core.1,299 vs 2,783
  • 24.6% lower Cinebench R20 single-core score
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (365 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.
    What it is: A Cinebench R20 benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about lighter workloads, interface responsiveness, or software that still depends heavily on one fast core.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >600

    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower Cinebench R20 single-core score than the average processor (365 vs 484). The average processor scores 484 in Cinebench R20 single-core.365 vs 484
  • 2 fewer CPU cores
    Intel Core i7 8650U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.
    What it is: The number of physical CPU cores on the processor.
    When it matters: When you run workloads that benefit from more real cores.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: 8+

    Intel Core i7 8650U has fewer CPU cores than the average processor (4 vs 6). The average processor has 6 CPU cores.4 vs 6
  • 15.5% weaker single-core performance
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,098 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.
    What it is: A benchmark score that reflects single-core CPU performance.
    When it matters: When you care about responsiveness in lighter or older software.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >3200

    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower PassMark single-core score than the average processor (2,098 vs 2,483). The average processor scores 2,483 in PassMark single-core.2,098 vs 2,483
  • 16.7% larger process node
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.
    What it is: The manufacturing process node used to produce the processor, usually expressed in nanometers.
    When it matters: When efficiency, heat, and the relative modernity of the chip-making process matter to your comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: <10 nm

    Intel Core i7 8650U has a higher process node than the average processor (14 nm vs 12 nm). The average processor uses a process node of 12 nm.14 nm vs 12 nm
  • 50% less L2 per core
    Intel Core i7 8650U has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.
    What it is: The amount of L2 cache available to each CPU core.
    When it matters: When you are comparing per-core cache resources in deeper architectural analysis.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=1 MB/core

    Intel Core i7 8650U has less L2 cache per core than the average processor (0.3 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core). The average processor provides 0.5 MB/core of L2 cache per core.0.25 MB/core vs 0.5 MB/core
  • 60% smaller L2 cache
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.
    What it is: The total amount of L2 cache available across the processor.
    When it matters: When you want to compare CPU design efficiency and how much fast intermediate cache the cores have available.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=6 MB

    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower L2 cache than the average processor (1 MB vs 2.5 MB). The average processor has L2 cache of 2.5 MB.1 MB vs 2.5 MB
  • 41.3% lower PassMark score
    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (6,187 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.
    What it is: A benchmark score that gives a broad idea of overall processor performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick overall performance comparison.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >19000

    Intel Core i7 8650U has a lower PassMark benchmark score than the average processor (6,187 vs 10,532.5). The average processor scores 10,532.5 in PassMark benchmark.6,187 vs 10,532.5
Total
Overall
Platform
Performance
Cache & Architecture
Memory & PCIe

Graphic comparison of Intel Core i7 8650U and other processors

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Intel Core i7 8650U?

  • Efficient multitasking due to 4 cores and 8 threads compared to previous dual-core generations
  • Reliable performance for office work, web browsing, and everyday light tasks
  • Excellent for virtual machine performance and hardware virtualization
  • Energy-efficient design (15W TDP) which helps with laptop battery life
  • Good value for money when found in discounted or used business-grade laptops
  • High turbo boost frequency (up to 4.2 GHz) provides strong performance for short, bursty workloads

What customers dislike about Intel Core i7 8650U?

  • Poor performance for modern gaming due to the weak integrated UHD 620 graphics
  • Frequent thermal throttling issues in thin laptops, leading to significant clock speed drops under long loads
  • Significant heat output often causing fans to run loudly during intensive tasks
  • Starting to show its age for resource-heavy applications like 4K video rendering or 3D animation
  • Limited future-proofing due to lack of support for modern standards like Wi-Fi 6 or PCIe 4.0
  • Integrated GPU is significantly outperformed by newer Iris Plus and Iris Xe graphics solutions

Expert reviews

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laptopmedia.com
06/04/2018
Intel Core i7-8650U vs Intel Core i7-8550U - LaptopMedia Are you looking for benchmark results for a specific laptop model using this processor, or do...

The Intel Core i7-8650U and i7-8550U are 14nm Kaby Lake Refresh chips with similar specifications. The i7-8650U offers higher performance with slightly faster clock speeds, leading by approximately 16% in Photoshop tests. While the i7-8650U takes the win for its raw speed and vPro support, both chips can experience thermal throttling based on cooling, notes LaptopMedia.

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cpubenchmark.net
21/08/2017
Intel Core i7-8650U @ 1.90GHz - CPU Benchmarks

The Intel Core i7-8650U is a 15W, quad-core Kaby Lake Refresh processor designed for thin-and-light business notebooks, offering a significant boost in core count over previous generations. Featuring 1.90 GHz base to 4.20 GHz boost speeds, it provides excellent single-thread performance for office productivity, though it may suffer from thermal throttling under sustained heavy...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
19/11/2018
All our articles with core i7-8650u tag

The Intel Core i7-8650U is a high-end, power-efficient "Kaby Lake Refresh" quad-core processor featuring 4 cores and 8 threads, offering a significant leap over previous dual-core generations. With a base frequency of 1.9 GHz and a 4.2 GHz Turbo Boost, it delivers strong performance in short-burst tasks and a 24% advantage in Adobe Photoshop over the i5-8250U, supported by...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
04/12/2019
Intel Core i7-1065G7 vs i7-8650U - the new-gen CPU is the better choice

According to LaptopMedia, the Intel Core i7-1065G7 (Ice Lake) is the superior choice over the i7-8650U (Kaby Lake Refresh) due to its modern 10nm architecture, support for faster DDR4-3200/LPDDR4-2133 memory, and significantly improved graphics capability. While both feature 4 cores and 8 threads, the newer i7-1065G7 offers superior efficiency, though it operates with a lower base...Read more

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notebooks-und-mobiles.de
28/04/2018
Intel Core i7-8650U (Kaby Lake Refresh) Review

The Intel Core i7-8650U "Kaby Lake Refresh" processor delivers a significant performance leap, with four cores providing a nearly 100% increase in multi-core tasks while maintaining a 15W TDP, allowing it to compete with 45W CPUs in short bursts. Key advantages include exceptional multi-thread efficiency, vPro support for business, and high-frequency capabilities via an improved...Read more

(Translated)Show original
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laptopmedia.com
04/12/2019
Intel Core i7-1065G7 vs i7-8650U – the next-gen CPU is the better choice

LaptopMedia compares the 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 and the 8th Gen i7-8650U, highlighting the 10nm process and faster RAM (DDR4-3200) of the newer chip as major pros, despite its lower 1.30 GHz base frequency. While raw CPU performance is only about 3% faster on the i7-1065G7, the Intel Iris Plus G7 graphics offer a significant 45% performance boost over the i7-8650U's UHD 620....Read more

(Translated)Show original
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laptopmedia.com
08/05/2018
Intel Core i7-8650U vs Intel Core i5-8250U: Benchmarks and Performance Comparison

The LaptopMedia review compares the 15W Kaby Lake Refresh Intel Core i7-8650U and Core i5-8250U, both featuring four cores and UHD Graphics 620. The i7-8650U holds a specification advantage with higher base (1.90 GHz) and boost (4.20 GHz) clock speeds, a larger 8MB L3 cache, and support for faster 2400 MHz DDR4 memory. Benchmark results indicate the i7-8650U is the performance...Read more

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laptopmedia.com
06/04/2018
Intel Core i7-8650U vs Intel Core i7-8550U

The Intel Core i7-8650U and i7-8550U are 14nm quad-core, 15W Kaby Lake Refresh processors featuring identical integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620. The i7-8650U offers a slight advantage with higher base (1.90 GHz) and boost (4.20 GHz) clock speeds compared to the i7-8550U. Performance benchmarks reveal that while 3D rendering speeds are nearly identical, the i7-8650U holds a 16%...Read more

(Translated)Show original
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laptopmedia.com
06/04/2018
Intel Core i7-8650U vs Intel Core i7-8550U - Benchmarks and comparison

The Intel Core i7-8650U and i7-8550U are closely matched 8th Gen processors, both featuring 4 cores, 8 threads, and a 15W TDP built on a 14nm process, sharing Intel UHD Graphics 620. The i7-8650U holds a slight advantage, with a 1.90 GHz base and 4.20 GHz boost clock speed compared to the i7-8550U’s 1.80 GHz base and 4.0 GHz boost. While 3D rendering performance is nearly identical,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
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laptopmedia.com
21/08/2017
Intel Core i7-8650U | LaptopMedia Italy

The Intel Core i7-8650U is a high-end, 15W TDP quad-core Kaby Lake Refresh processor designed for thin-and-light laptops, offering a massive performance boost over its dual-core predecessors. With a base speed of 1.90 GHz and a 4.20 GHz boost, it provides strong multi-core performance but is highly sensitive to laptop cooling, with potential performance throttling in poorly cooled,...Read more

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hardware.info
24/02/2019
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 review: A design statement, but for whom?

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 is defined as a premium "design statement" featuring a refined matte black aluminum chassis, comfortable Alcantara fabric, and a high-quality 13.5-inch 3:2 PixelSense touch display. Performance is significantly boosted by 8th-generation Intel quad-core processors, accompanied by faster SSD speeds and robust battery life, with real-world usage reaching...Read more

(Translated)Show original
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laptopmedia.com
06/04/2018
Intel Core i7-8650U vs Intel Core i7-8550U – Kaby Lake Refresh flagships go head-to-head

The Intel Core i7-8650U and i7-8550U are closely matched 14nm 8th Gen Kaby Lake Refresh processors, both featuring 4 cores, 8 threads, and a 15W TDP. The primary differentiator is the i7-8650U's slightly higher 1.90 GHz base and 4.20 GHz boost clocks compared to the i7-8550U. While 3D rendering performance is similar, the i7-8650U offers better professional application performance...Read more

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hardware.info
12/03/2019
Apple iPad Pro (2018) vs. Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 vs. Microsoft Surface Pro 6 - What is the ideal high-end tablet? Battery life

A Hardware.info review compares the 2018 iPad Pro, Samsung Galaxy Tab S4, and Microsoft Surface Pro 6, finding that the iPad Pro offers superior performance and a 120Hz display but suffers from expensive accessories. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 excels in media consumption with its Super AMOLED display and bundled S Pen, though it falls short in raw processing power. The Surface Pro 6...Read more

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hardware.info
04/07/2018
HP ZBook x2 G4 Review: A 2-in-1 for Creative Professionals - Conclusion

The HP ZBook x2 G4 is a robust "detachable workstation" featuring a 14-inch 4K DreamColor display with a paper-like, matte tactile surface for the included Wacom EMR stylus. It offers high performance for creative professionals with an 8th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, up to 32GB RAM, a dedicated NVIDIA Quadro M620 GPU, and 18 programmable "Quick Keys" on the bezel. While the...Read more

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notebookcheck.nl
13/10/2019
Dell Latitude 15 5500 Series - Notebookcheck.net (Including tests of the i7-8650U configuration)

The Dell Latitude 5500 is a robust, value-focused 15.6-inch business laptop featuring 8th Gen Intel Core processors, extensive configuration options, and exceptional battery life exceeding 17 hours with the 68Wh unit. Notable pros include a durable chassis constructed with carbon fiber composites, snappy performance for office tasks, and comprehensive security features such as TPM...Read more

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techzine.nl
05/04/2019
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 review: A top performer with one Achilles' heel

The Techzine review praises the Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 as a premium, high-quality device, highlighting its exceptional build, matte black finish, comfortable Alcantara fabric, and superior PixelSense display. Performance is a major pro, with 8th Gen Intel quad-core processors delivering up to 85% more power, excellent thermal management, and robust 10-hour battery life. The...Read more

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